FROM RABILU ABUBAKAR GOMBE
Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has been commended for his initiative to construct a modern State Secretariat aimed at resolving the long-standing issues with government office accommodation.
The commendation came from the Head of Service, HoS, Ahmed Abdullahi, during a press briefing on Friday.
He described the project as a transformative step that would end reliance on rented properties for housing Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
Abdullahi disclosed that the state spends approximately, N600 million annually on renting office spaces for its MDAs.
He highlighted that the absence of a complete secretariat since the state’s creation has left government offices scattered and vulnerable to eviction by property owners.
“Government spends nearly N600 million yearly on rented accommodations for MDAs. Landlords often reclaim their properties, causing operational disruptions.
“We have faced situations where tenancy agreements were revoked, leaving offices with no choice but to relocate,” he said.
The head of service expressed optimism about the project, noting that it would enhance governance efficiency and reduce administrative costs.
He also lauded Governor Yahaya for prioritising workers welfare through consistent payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.
According to Abdullahi, the governor has cleared N17 billion of the N21 billion backlog of gratuities inherited by his administration, demonstrating his commitment to civil servants’ well-being.
The foundation-laying ceremony of the secretariat marks a significant achievement in the administration’s quest to improve infrastructure and governance.
